On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Michael Barclay II, Chief Events and Experience Officer at Sundial Media, to break down the massive machine behind Essence Fest, AfroPunk, and BeautyCon. Barclay shares how Essence Fest became more than concerts, growing into a conference, marketplace, and cultural touchstone driving over $350 million in economic impact for New Orleans. He also opens up about his journey from Def Jam college rep to leading some of the biggest cultural festivals in the world. Listeners will learn the truth about what it costs to stage massive events, how brands and partners really work behind the scenes, and why patience and community-building are non-negotiable for long-term success.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Terri Lee, President and CEO of Atlanta Housing, to explore what the future of affordable housing looks like in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. They discuss the challenges of rising rents, the opportunities in public-private partnerships, and how housing serves as the foundation for thriving communities. Terri shares her vision for equity, innovation, and sustainability in building homes that truly open doors for Atlanta families.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, dives into the story of how Black Spades turned a classic card game into a thriving culture brand. From learning manufacturing lessons in Shenzhen to testing product demand through Kickstarter, this episode shows what it takes to build a business rooted in authenticity. Mackey breaks down the power of sampling before scaling, the grind of overseas trips, and why cultural trust beats big budgets every time.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Brandon Chubb, former NFL player and founder of Do Not Disturb Wellness. Chubb breaks down how he’s taking pro-athlete-level recovery practices like sauna, cold plunge, and massage and making them accessible to the public. The conversation dives into the business model behind wellness memberships, the cultural shift toward recovery as lifestyle, and why Atlanta is the perfect home for this new wave of wellness.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with DJ, producer, and cultural curator Jeremy Avalon to explore how parties can become platforms. Jeremy shares the story behind The Groove, the R&B experience that has lasted nearly a decade, and why building community around music is just as important as the music itself. From filling cultural gaps in Atlanta to securing sponsorships and turning nightlife into a business, Jeremy breaks down what it takes to transform creativity into sustainability.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Dr. Kevin James, the president responsible for the extraordinary resurgence of Morris Brown College. Dr. James shares the gripping story of how he led the Atlanta-based HBCU from bankruptcy and lost accreditation back to national recognition. From his audacious decision to pursue the presidency, to rallying alumni, partners like Arthur Blank, and the AME Church, Dr. James reveals the strategy and resilience behind the rebirth of this historic institution. He also dives into his philosophy of "no excuses," team-building insights, and why he believes preparation is the key to overcoming impossible challenges.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with media powerhouse Dawn Montgomery to discuss how she's mastered the elusive art of going viral. Dawn shares her journey from modeling to journalism, revealing the intentional strategies and authenticity behind her most talked-about moments. From valuing her work and pivoting careers to leveraging cultural insights, Dawn breaks down exactly what it takes to turn buzz into lasting business success.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Michael MacDonald, the behind-the-scenes architect of Earn Your Leisure and Invest Fest, to share the real story of how it all came together. Michael opens up about his early hustle designing flyers, the pivotal equity deal that taught him the power of residual income, and the bold moves that helped EYL grow into a global brand. He also breaks down the business strategy behind EYL University, the Mac Pack legacy project, and why Invest Fest has become the Black Friday for entrepreneurs.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Playboy Tre and B Rich, hosts of Atlanta’s hottest sports podcast, The Waterboyz Show. They dive into the real struggles and triumphs of being Atlanta sports fans, revealing how they've turned that passion—and pain—into a powerhouse podcast. Hear the behind-the-scenes stories of their journey, how their entertainment background shaped their unique style, and why the city has fully embraced their authentic take on sports.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with financial strategist Nicole Garner Scott about breaking down the myths that keep people from true financial empowerment. Nicole shares her journey from PR powerhouse to financial expert, revealing the common misconceptions about wealth, generational financial literacy, and why cultural narratives around money often keep communities stuck.